Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Bear bile is a traditional ingredient in Asian medicine and is extracted from living bears.  There are more than 10,000 Moon bears held in horrific conditions in China and Vietnam.

Caught from the wild in vicious leghold traps, the bears are kept in cramped cages, their teeth and claws removed and a metal catheter inserted into their gall bladders.  The pain is excruciating and the bears suffer appalling wounds.  Animals Asia has campaigned tirelessly to end the cruel practise and rescued hundreds of bears in China.  Now Born Free is supporting their work to create a new rescue centre in Hanoi, Vietnam, and to promote the herbal and synthetic alternatives to bear bile.  At the sanctuary the rescued bears will receive expert veterinarian treatment and enjoy nutritious food, lush natural foliage and swimming in cool water.